But Where Is My Plaque?

One can dream

It's hard to believe, but December 12, 2014 was the 9th anniversary of My Pinstripes.  You would think that by now the Yankees would have contacted me to put a plaque in my honor, or the blog's honor, in Monument Park. I have no number to retire, but I've been writing about the Yankees longer than Tino Martinez was a Yankee and they had a day honoring him. And he got a plaque in Monument Park.

Sarcasm, not necessarily at its finest. You know the story by now. Family owned team builds new stadium and overspends in doing so.  Ticket prices go way up. Area parking goes way up. Food and souvenirs follow suit.

The new place holds less seats and less seats are filled. After five years and one World Series title, and two missed post-seasons (for the first time since the early 1990's), it's time to pull out the gimmicks.

Retiring endless numbers and/or putting numerous plaques in Monument Park, is just that, a gimmick to boost attendance. Prior to the 2014 season, the Yankees had retired numbers 1 (Billy Martin), 3 (Babe Ruth), 4 (Lou Gehrig), 5 (Joe DiMaggio), 7 (Mickey Mantle), 8 (Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey), 9 (Roger Maris), 10 (Phil Rizzuto), 15 (Thurman Munson), 16 (Whitey Ford), 23 (Don Mattingly), 32 (Elston Howard) 37 (Casey Stengel), 42 (Mariano Rivera) 44 (Reggie Jackson) and 49 (Ron Guidry).

Some can argue that some of those number(s) should not have been retired. (I'll argue that number 1 should not have been retired and was only done so due to the guilt George Steinbrenner felt for the way he mistreated Martin as a manager and the tragic circumstances surrounding Martin's death.)

Along comes the 2014 season, a season following one in which the Yankees missed the playoffs. It was Derek Jeter's last season, Alex Rodriguez was suspended for the year, and one player after another was felled by injury. Time to pull a rabbit out of the hat to get some fannies in the seats.

On May 8, the team announces that Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Goose  Gossage, and Joe Torre will be honored with plaques in Monument Park. In addition, Torre's number 6 will be retired and Bernie Williams will be feted in 2015.

Torre was one of the most successful managers in team history and had the longest tenure, by far, of any manager since the big guy with the boats purchased the team. He and Gossage were both inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  No matter how big a fan you might have been of O'Neill and Martinez - and I was a huge fan, especially O'Neill - neither deserves a plaque in Monument Park.

Bernie Williams will have his number 51 retired on a Sunday night, yes at night, in May and Andy Pettitte will have his number 46 retired in August. Plus plaques in M.P. of course. Both well deserved for home grown products, especially Williams who suffered through the very lean years in the early 1990's. In addition to a plaque, Jorge Posada will also have his number 20 taken out of the available numbers. This is where things get a little iffy.

There's already been a debate as to whether Posada is worthy of the Hall of Fame. Those in favor point to his offense and how it stacks up against the catchers already in the Hall. The same type of debate has tkaen place about retiring Posada's number. His detractors point to his defensive shortcomings. A home grown talent, who spent 17 years in the Majors, I have no problem with Posada receiving a plaque. Retiring his number, I believe, is going overboard.

Willie Randolph, one of the classiest people around, will also be honored with a place in Monument Park this Summer. I would actually rather see the former Yankees player and coach's #30 retired, along with Mel Stottlemyre, who wore the number prior to Randolph.

Notice anything about the players being honored? Only Randolph and Gossage were not part of the 1996-2000 dynasty. The Yankees, obviously, are appealing to the fans who became fans or were already fans during that stretch. It makes sense if they are looking to help fill the empty seats and bring some excitement back to the Bronx.

But in doing so the Yankees have ignored some players that are a deserving of the honor. In addition to Stottlemyre, who pitched for the Yankees from 1964-1974 and was their pitching coach from 1996-2005, other players from the lean years should be recognized.  First and foremost, and yes I am definitely biased, is Bobby Murcer.

The late Oklahoman was one of the few name players the Yankees had in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Bobby Ray was with the Yankees from 1965-66, missed two years in the service, 1969 through 1974 and returned during the 1979 season until his retirement in June, 1983. He immediately joined the Yankees broadcast team and remained in that role into 2007.

Roy White was never flashy, he just quietly did his job. The Yankees smooth left fielder played his entire 15-year Major League career (He also played in Japan) with the Bronx Bombers. He too played on the weak teams of the 1970's with Murcer and Stottelmyre, but earned World Series rings with the 1977 and 1978 squads.

Others to consider - Sparky Lyle, Graig Nettles, Lou Piniella, Bill Skowron, and Allie Reynolds.

I may not get my plaque, but please don't tell me that Bubba Crosby is getting a plaque.

Jeter's Big Night: What They Are Saying

Teammate Brett Gardner:


 Teammate CC Sabathia:
 

 YES Network announcer Michael Kay when Jeter delivered in the 9th:

"Derek Jeter; turning fantasy into reality."

You could hear Tino Martinez yell, "That was awesome!" to his former teammate and fellow Florida snowbird. Charles Jeter told his "I'm proud of you."

Former teammate Paul O'Neill:

One of the coolest endings ever... Wouldn't expect anything else from Jete
— Paul O'Neill (@PaulONeillYES) September 26, 2014

Yankees announcer Ken Singleton:

LOOKOUT ! I'm heading home season over. ( too quickly ) Thank you fans 4 watching YES. See you next spring. Thanks to The Captain a classic.
— Ken Singleton (@29alltime) September 26, 2014

Tigers pitcher David Price, who gave up hit #3000 to Jeter when Price was on the Rays.

Shocker! #thecaptain does it like he always does!! That's what I envisioned 3000 to be like! Not 37 rows deep to left center!! #welldonejeet
— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) September 26, 2014

Price's teammate Justin Verlander:

Incredible!!! Did anyone expect anything less. #storybook #RE2PECT #FairWellCaptain
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) September 26, 2014

Hall of Fame Wide Receive Chris Carter

Derek Jeter #MyHero
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) September 26, 2014

Former Braves 3rd baseman Chipper Jones:

Much respect #2! Sad to see u go. U deserved everything u got. Proud of ur career, even prouder to call u a friend! Now let's go golfing!!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) September 26, 2014

Former teammate and YES Network announcer John Flaherty:

Richardson scored the game winning run on the Jeter hit! How about the story he can tell for the rest of his life!!
— John Flaherty (@flash17yes) September 26, 2014

Twins infielder Brian Dozier:

Amazing finish in New York for a guy that taught me how to play the game the right way without him even knowing.. Thank you Derek #2
— Brian Dozier (@BrianDozier) September 26, 2014

YES Network's Jack Curry:

Incredible finish by Jeter. Did a lot of Jeter-esque things. Swung at 1st pitch. Singled to RF. Helped win a game. Celebrated like gentleman
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) September 26, 2014

More from Jack on the YES website.

Beltran Gets His Stripes

Carlos Beltran was re-introduced to the New York media Friday morning, wearing the 36 he wore his first two years in baseball with Kansas City. It was the final pre-season task as part of the three-year, $45MM contract the Yankees and the veteran outfielder agreed to.

The questions and answers were, for the most part, run of the mill, but there were some exceptions. Beltran chuckled when asked how he thought his reception would be wearing the Yankees unifrom in Queens, where he played for six-plus sesasons with the Mets. Beltran hoped the fans remembered how hard he played for them, but he figures there will be a mix of cheers and boos.

He was also asked how he felt life might have been different had the Yankees signed him to a free agent deal before he decided on becoming a Met. His answer made me chuckle - "They (the Yankees) were having some issues with the salary cap and I needed to do what was best for my family/" - Yeah, it was that last part that got me. Because as you know seven years and $119MM is barely enough money to take care of your family.

Back to being genuine - Beltran when queried about age, talked about how hard he works, how much he cares about the game, and the results he's produced the last two seasons. It's good to hear, because the Yankees are really going to need him to be the best Carlos Beltran he can be.

YES' Michael Kay and Bob Lorenz talk to Carlos Beltran after the press conference. When Beltran was in Kansas City he mentioned that Bernie Williams was his favorite player growing up. He reiterated those feelings on Friday.
    

Two Days Later Mariano's Day Still Fantastic

It was a long day in the Bronx Sunday afternoon. It was very hot if you were on the third base side, cool if you were seated in the shade along first day, but a gorgeous day all in all. It was a very perfect day to honor the one and only Mariano Rivera.

The game itself, a 2-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, could not diminish the remarkable ceremony prior to the game nor the emotion and love expressed by the fans towards Mariano and the humility and grace displayed by #42.

With Mariano being the last active player to wear #42, the day began with the Yankees closer, his wife Clara and sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, joined in Monument Park by the Steinbrenner extended family and Randy Levine to present Jackie Robinson's widow Rachel and their daughter Sharon, with a special plaque commemorating the late, great Jackie Robinson. A circle with the #42 inside in Dodgers blue and white was also set aside from the other numbers inside of Monument Park.

Then it was time for the unveiling of Mariano's #42 in the row alongside all of the Yankees retired numbers, right next to Ron Guidry's #49. Mariano was blown away by the fan's response throughout the day and it began with the announcement that his number was retired while he was still an active player.

Emcees John Sterling and Michael Kay then introduced a number of Yankees luminaries. The man who was the Yankees savior, who kept the prospects and avoided the poor trades during George Steinbrenner's second suspension, Gene Michael, was the first to come out. There was Mo's manager from 1996 - 2008, Joe Torre. Former teammates Jorge Posada, David Cone, John Wetteland, Jeff Nelson, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams (who received the largest ovation and should have a day of his own already), and Hideki Matsui (what a great surprise that was), and former trainer Gene Monahan. They were re-joined by the Steinbrenner family and front office members, and the Robinsons.

When it was time for Mo to make his way in from the bullpen to a live version of Metallica's "Enter Sandman". James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo rocked from a stage in front of Monument Park. Mo didn't take his usual run in from the pen, that would take place in the 8th inning of the game, but a casual walk that enabled him to soak up the moment and all of the cheers. It also was one of the many moments that Mariano raised his arms in overwhelmed thanks and disbelief. The current Yankees team then joined him when he reached the infield.

Next came the gifts, and there were many.

Four former Yankees that are now part of the visiting San Francisco Giants coaching staff were first. Pitching coach Dave Righetti, the Yankees saves leader until Mo came along, hitting coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens, first base coach Roberto Kelly, and assistant hitting coach Joe Lefebvre. They presented Mariano with a guitar that Hammett helped design, emblazoned with the number 42 on it and signed by Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

There was also a watercolor painting of Mariano's June, 2007 appearance against the Giants in their AT&;T Park.

Metallica presented an autographed speaker that had #42 on it.

The New York Yankees Foundation presented Mariano with a $100,000 check for his foundation and Hal Steinbrenner gave his closer a beautiful Waterford crystal version of his glove. Of course, he also received a #42 jersey encased in glass.

Long time teammate Derek Jeter and his current manager/former teammate Joe Girardi brought out a rocking chair made from baseball bats, complete with leather seat. The honoree immediately tried it out and laughed.

Then it was time for the speech. Surrounded by everyone near the pitcher's mound, Mariano first expressed his faith in thanking God for the opportunity he was given in life and for the very special day that was taking place.

He thanked his wife Clara for her love, kindness, and patience. He thanked his sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, who giggled when his Dad said, "thanks for your support man."

He thanked his native country of Panama and spoke for a few minutes in Spanish.

He thanked his parents for having him, his former and current teammates, the fans, the organization, and George Steinbrenner, of whom he said he loved and missed.

He thanked the Robinson family and said how grateful and honored he was to be the last Major Leaguer to wear 42.

He wrapped it up by saying "..so let's play ball guys, we gotta go. I love you guys!"

Throughout the day there video tributes on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard, ranging from Vin Scully to Magic Johnson to Jason Kidd to Mel Stottelmyre

It was an emotional ceremony, followed by an emotional game. Andy Pettitte, who had announced his retirement just a few days earlier, pitched marvelously. He was perfect for 4.2 innings until he walked Pablo Sandoval and had a no-hitter for 5.1 innings until Ehire Adrianza homered to left to tie the game at 1-1. (Mark Reynolds had hit one out for the Yankees in the 3rd inning.

Pettitte hadn't gone very far in games this season, but after 101 pitches and seven full innings, Girardi sent him out to start the 8th inning. Sandoval reached on a double that caused Pettitte, always his own biggest critic, to slam his glove on his thigh. When Girardi came out to pull him in favor of David Robertson the crowd erupted in applause and chants of "An-dy Pett-ite". Pettitte tipped his capped before he ducked into the dugout, but then came back on the field and acknowledged the love the fans were showering down upon him.

Unfortunately, Robertson gave up an RBI single to Tony Abreu that broke the tie and saddled Pettitte with a loss in his final home game. Robertson than departed and again the Stadium roared as #42 jogged in from the bullpen to the sounds of "Enter Sandman" for the last time on a Yankee Stadium Sunday afternoon.

He broke a couple of bats before it was over and got an inning ending double play to shut down a Giants threat in the 9th, but it wasn't enough as the Yankees lineup couldn't get push a run across the board.

99% of the fans stayed in their seats until the end, and though disappointed and frustrated by the score, went home with smiles on their faces and a great memory in their hearts and heads.

I know this fan did.

Mariano's speech
 
#42 Retired
 Mariano reflects on the day
 
 Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williamd Discuss Mariano's Career
 

Pinstripe Empire History of New York Yankees Rules the Book Shelves

Marty Appel's time working with and within the New York Yankees organization gave him the perfect insight to write his latest book, "Pinstripe Empire: From Before The Babe to After The Boss". It's a summation of baseball's most successful franchise from their humble beginnings as the New York Highlanders, through 27 world championships, and up to their playoff failings in 2011. 



The book begins with the idea of bringing a team to New York and the construction of Hilltop Park that would house the Highlanders, the pre-cursor to the Yankees. Those teams included Jack Chesbro, who won a team record 41 games. But save for one season, those Highlanders team were usually at the bottom of the barrel. 

Things would change with the acquisition of Babe Ruth, the construction of Yankee Stadium, and shrewd ownership and management. The first World Series title came in 1923 and Ruth hit his prodigious 60 home run in 1927. That was the year the lineup was known as Murderer's Row and to this day they are still part of the great debate as to which was the greatest Yankees squad of all time - '27, '39, '61 or '98? (For that matter the greatest team of all time.) I found it fascinating to compare and contrast the ownership over the years (e.g. Ruppert and Topping) and the styles of the managers (Huggins, McCarthy, Stengel, Martin, etc.).

The book allows all Yankees fans to share in those moments experienced in person or through the media, be reminded of moments forgotten, and to learn things anew. (I could name hundreds of Yankees off the top of my head, but I never had heard of one of their early great relievers, Johnny Murphy.) One of things I really enjoyed about the book is that it does not have to be read beginning with page one. (Though there are wonderful introductions from Yankees' greats Yogi Berra and Bernie Williams to kick things off.) 

I read the book in reverse order, going over 10 to 20 year periods at a time, starting with the reclamation of the 1990's up through today. It was a joy to relive the moment Charlie Hayes' squeezed the final out in Game 6 of the '96 series. It was the title that ended a drought of 18 seasons without a championship. 

Then it was on to the early 1970's when the Yankees began to be relevant again with new young stars like (my personal favorite) Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Graig Nettles, and Chris Chambliss. It was a tumultuous time in baseball with the advent of free agency and the beginning of large player contracts (slim by comparison to today's deals), the inception of the DH in the American League (the Yankees' Ron Blomberg was the first to officially bat), the revolving door of managers- with Billy Martin seemingly caught inside the door - Steinbrenner's constant interference with all decisions, the renovation of Yankee Stadium and a temporary home at Shea Stadium, and last, but not least, the wife swap between pitchers Fritz Peterson (permanent) and Mike Kekich (temporary). 

It was also a time when young fans like me really got into baseball. Some of those Yankees teams came close to reaching the playoffs, but couldn't win the division when a division title meant everything. That all changed of course when a ship builder named George M. Steinbrenner III bought the Yankees from CBS. Appel did a great job of balancing his story telling between the early, crazed Boss with the later sentimental, sedate one. 

You can relive the race between Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle to pass Babe Ruth's single season home run record as part of the great 1961 squad. Unfortunately, it was also the beginning of the end for the great Yankees teams. They won five consecutive pennants from 1960-1964 with two World Series titles, but by 1965 the team was in disarray. The farm system lacked talent and the Yankees greats retired or were in the process of putting a wrap on their careers. If you were lucky enough, you were too young to remember the worst of the worst- 9th and 10th (last place) finishes in 1966 and 1967. 

Going back further, it's still hard to believe the glory years of the 1930 through the 1950's when managers Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel combined for 18 pennants and 14 World Series titles (Bucky Harris also won a championship in 1947). Those teams had larger than life players in Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Berra, Mantle, and Ford. You learn just what a corporation the Yankees really were. When a player was no longer useful, he was quickly shipped out, no matter how big a star he may have been. 

All of the above is just the tip of the iceberg. Even if you are not a Yankees fan, this is a great read to learn about the greatest franchise in baseball history. And if you are a Yankees fan, you'll enjoy knowing more about the franchise than you thought imaginable. 

Yankees Memorial Day Memories: 1991

The late 1980's and early 1990's were a tough time to be a Yankees fan. The team had been cast out into the loser's wilderness. Guys like Dallas Green, Bucky Dent, and Stump Merrill took the team nowhere.

Things would not turn around until George Steinbrenner was suspended in 1990 for conspiring with gambler/sleazeball Howie Spira to dig up dirt on Dave Winfield. That of course led to Gene Michael making the day to day moves to get the ball club back into contention for the first time since the early to mid-1980's. 

The Yankees won only 71 games in 1991, but on Memorial Day (May 27) of that season, the Yankees gave their home crowd a big thrill. The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry hadn't been much since the 1970's since either one or both ball clubs had down times in the time since. But the holiday weekend gave Yankees fans something to talk about it.

Mel Hall in happier times

New York sent Dave Eiland to the mound not as a pitching coach, but as their starter on a very hot Monday afternoon. Boston countered with right-hander Danny Darwin. After a scoreless 1st inning, the Sox jumped on Eiland for three runs in the 2nd, with the aid of errors by infielder Pat Kelly and outfielder Roberto Kelly. 

The Red Sox tacked on single runs in the 4th and 5th innings, the latter courtesy of a solo home run by first baseman Carlos Quintana. Meanwhile, Darwin breezed through the first four innings before Jesse Barfield touched him up for a solo home run in the 5th.

Two innings later Mel Hall went deep to cut the lead to 5-2, and two batters after that Barfield went yard again. Suddenly it was a two run ball game. It would stay that way until the 9th inning when Jeff Reardon came on to close things out for Boston. (The Yankees bullpen trio of Eric Plunk, Steve Howe, and Lee Guetterman had limited Boston to just one hit over the final 4.2 innings.)

Reardon didn't retire a batter. Hensley Meulens and Kevin Maas reached on back to back singles to bring the tying run to the plate in the person of Hall. The Yankees outfielder would later be banished from New York because of endless teasing of a young, sensitive center fielder named Bernie Williams, but on Memorial Day Hall would put his name in the Yankees' history books.

Hall drilled a 2-2 pitch into the right field seats for a walk-off (a term not yet coined) 3-run home run and a Yankees victory before just over 32,000 fans. It was just the Yankees 18th win in 41 games, but it set the stage for many dramatic wins that would unfold in the mid- to late 1990's.

Post Game Unfortunately, Mel Hall's post-career life has not been so joyous. Hall was convicted in 2009 of raping a 12-yr old girl he coached in youth basketball. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison with no chance for parole until half his sentence has been served. Hall will be 71 at that time.

Mariano Caps Great Day In The Bronx

Is that a smile of "I know you can't hit this?"

Whether you were at Yankee Stadium, sitting at home watching TV, or listening to the ceremonies on the radio, Sunday was a wonderful day in the Bronx. Having watched the 65th annual Old Timers Day prior to the regularly scheduled game, it was only fitting that Mariano Rivera, the oldest player on the Yankees, finished out Sunday's victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Rivera, who is older than Old Timers like Homer Bush and Aaron Small, struck out the side in the 9th to preserve the Yankees 6-4 victory. The Yankees homered three times in the game, including a blast by Jorge Posada, the second oldest Yankee.

The big story of the day though was the OT ceremonies, in particular the honoring of long time head trainer Gene "Geno" Monahan, who back in May announced he would retire at season's end. The 67-yr old has been with the organization for 49 years, including time as a bat boy when he was 17. A cancer scare last year put things in perspective for the man who has been there for Mantle, Murcer, Munson, Mattingly, and Mariano. Monahan was told he would throw out the first pitch before the OT game, which he did (to Jorge Posada who donned full catcher's gear), but he had know idea what was yet to come.

When he held the press conference in May, Monahan mentioned that he dreams a lot and it was time to start living some of those dreams. He mentioned he'd like to have a retriever named Schrader that he could take in his pick up truck to the store to pick up grass seed. All three came true on Sunday. With his fiancee and two grown daughters in attendance, Monahan was showered with gifts from the Yankees organization and sponsors. Among them was a Ford F-150 truck that had a big ol' Golden Retriever named Schrader in it.

There was a trip to the Alpine region in Europe, tickets to see Garth Brooks (and an autographed Cowboy hat from the country music star) in Las Vegas, a painting of the Stadium presented by the Steinbrenner family, a riding mower (and grass seed) presented by the grounds crew, a pair of seats from the old Stadiun, a video tribute, and much much more. It was an emotional capper to an emotional ceremony.

Back for the first time in a Yankees uniform were a couple of former managers, Joe Torre, who didn't leave on such great terms, and Lou Piniella, who was also one of the most popular Yankees players in the 1970's and 1980's. Torre appeared choked up as he received a long and loud ovation from the fans. Piniella hadn't been in a Yankees uniform since 1988 and marked the occassion by taking an at-bat in the game. He visited the broadcast booth during the regular game and joked (for those of you who don't know, Piniella was Paul O'Neill before Paul O'Neill) that he would be upset all night about grounding back to the pitcher.

Bernie Williams also made his return for his first Old Timers Day although he has never officially retired. He also received a very long ovation and then gave the crowd a big thrill with a deep drive to left-center for a double. Tino Martinez also got the fans applauding when he hit a David Cone meatball into the right field seats for a home run. The BamTino said "thank you" to Cone as he rounded third base, and Coney nodded his approval.

There aren't as many of the older Old Timers left; the ones that I used to see at OT Day when I was a kid, but some were still there. Moose Skowron, who announced to Kim Jones and the TV audience that he was battling lung cancer (even though he quit a while ago, Moose smoked for 40 years). Phil Rizzuto's old DP partner and long time baseball broadcaster Jerry Coleman was in attendance along with 86-yr old Charlie Silvera, who came up to the Yankees a catcher in 1948. The Yankees first great reliever, Luis Arroyo, was there. And of course Yogi Berra, who sadly looks very frail these days and the "Chairman of the Board", Whitey Ford were in the house. They, along with Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage were the Hall of Fame members in attendance.

David Wells, who is in better shape than he was in his playing days, demanded to know why O'Neill wasn't there. But so many players from my youth were- Mel Stottelmyre, Graig Nettles, BrianDolye, and Ron Guidry. There were those who are there every year, Joe Pepitone, Hector Lopez, Rick Cerone, and those that can't possibly be Old Timers like Bush, Kevin Maas, Clay Bellinger, and Brian Boehringer. As well as the playres from the last dynasty- Straw, Doc Gooden, Graeme Lloyd, Jeff Nelson and Charlie Hayes.

The widows of some of the Yankees greats are honored each year as well. This year's group was Kay Murcer, Diane Munson, Helen Hunter, Jill Martin, and Arlene Howard. Being that Bobby Murcer was my favorite player, I love seeing Mrs. Murcer there and I feel both sadness and joy to see Thurman's widow.

The Yankees also did a great job of remembering those who passed during the last year. Many of the names were unrecognizable, which makes think they now included members of the organization that worked behind the scenes. That was new and a nice touch. The last name announced was Cora Rizzuto, who I hadn't remembered had passed away.

The one thing missing was the Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who happened to turn 37 on Sunday. We all know he's rehabbing his injury and he wants to get back as soon as possible, but it was a disappointment that he wasn't there when Geno was honored, "Mr. Torre" and Bernie Williams returned.

One thing to note that was in poor taste. Thankfully it only lasted for about four players announced. Ron Blomberg came out to "Havah Nagila", Lee Mazzilli and Rick Cerone to a tarantella and Pat Kelly to an Irish jig. My wife and I exchanged shocked glances. "Are you really going to play an ethnic song for everyone? Could you stereotype it a little more?" As I said, thankfully that didn't continue or I wasn't paying attention. I hope it was the former.

As the regular game got underway, Michael Kay told John Flaherty that Mariano wanted him to introduce him with the Old Timers. Kay said, "I can't do that, I'll lose my job". Mariano pressed Kay to do it, but the YES broadcaster would not relent and said in a couple more years Mo will be one of them. After the game, Kim Jones asked Mo to verify the story and baseball's greatest reliever was all too happy to. He said "Michael blew it", called him a "big head" and said he was angry at him. It made for a great interview and was extremely funny. Mo concluded by saying, "I love you Michael". No one is greater than Mo.

As for the game itself, Ivan Nova and the Yankees fell behind 3-0 by the end of the 5th inning. Ty Wiggington hit the first of two home runs on the day as Nova had no control of his fastball. The Yankees answered back in the bottom of the 5th though when Nick Swisher hit a 2-run home run off of Rockies starter Juan Nicasio, and Posada followed with a game tying blast.

A Wiggington blast off Nova in the top of the 6th put Colorado back ahead, but Alex Rodriguez answered with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning to tie things up at 4-4. It would be broken an inning later when Eduardo Nunez singled home pinch-runner Chris Dickerson. Mark Teixeira then put some icing on the cake with a solo blast in the 8th, his 23rd of the season to gain a share of the AL lead with Toronto's Jose Bautista.

Boone Logan (2-2) and David Robertson then handed things over to Rivera, who cuttered his way through Wiggington, Charlie Blackmon, and Chris Iannetta for his 20th save of the season (579 in his career). A fitting ending to a perfect day.

Jeter Doubles Up on Bernie

Derek Jeter doubled in his second at-bat to pass Bernie Williams for 2nd place on the franchise's all-time doubles list.

Jeter (450) now trails on Lou Gehrig (534).

Ring-A-Ling-A-Ling

It was a very festive opening day in the Bronx yesterday. That's what you get when you hoist another championship banner and hand out World Series rings to the winning participants. Just another day in Yankee Stadium, albeit the first time in the House that George (and the city) built.


No part of the day may have been more poignant or worth celebrating more than the return of Yankees long time trainer Gene Monahan. We were told during Spring Training, which Monahan missed for the first time since 1972, that the man known as Geno was battling a serious illness. Mariano Rivera apparently let it slip during interviews yesterday that it is indeed some form of cancer. Monahan was very emotional, but in good spirits as he came out to accept his ring from manager Joe Girardi and special guests Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. The YS crowd gave a well deserved standing ovation.

The biggest ovation of the day though went to a member of the Los Angeles Angels. "He's the Hideki you know"...Hideki Matsui, of course, got a huge standing, thank you ovation from the fans and got a group hug from his former teammates. He also got pranked. Derek Jeter orchestrated it all - fake rings given (a Spring Training promotion) to Godzilla and Nick Swisher. Neither even realized what was going on until Jeter and Rivera gave them the real rings.


Bernie Williams threw out the first pitch, though the YES Network nearly missed it coming back from commercial breaks. There was a military fly over and broadway star Kristen Chenoweth (who looked like she was trying to be Carrie Underwood's doppelganger) sang the National Anthem. Then it was time for baseball.


Starter Andy Pettitte was the perfect pick to pitch opening day. After all, he had been on the mound for the clinching win in each round of the 2009 post-season. He also quickly gave Matsui a reminder that he's no longer a Yankee. A first inning strikeout was part of an oh-fer for Godzilla on the day.

Nick Johnson smacked his first Stadium home run in the bottom of the 1st off Ervin Santana and Derek Jeter went deep in the third. The Captain added an RBI single in the 4th (hit #2757) and Alex Rodriguez's brought home two more in the sixth.

The Yankees would need every run they could get, because leading 7-1 in the 9th, David Robertson surrendered a grand slam to former Yankee Bobby Abreu. At least that way Rivera got to be part of the opener by picking up his 3rd save.

photos courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Notes

Jorge Posada is off to a hot start. He was 3-4 yesterday to raise his average to .429 and had a pair of doubles to move past Mickey Mantle for 7th place on the team's all-time doubles list. In typical Jorgie fashion, he also got thrown out at the plate.

Pettitte tossed six scoreless innings for his 1st win of the year and the 230th of his career and 193rd as a Yankee. It was also the 4th home opening win for Pettitte.

The loss had to be a minor thing for some of the Angels who had a tough day. Several of them witnessed a suicide from their hotel that morning. A former hotel employee jumped from the roof as the Angels were on their way out.

Not sure how long these will be up on Youtube, but a TOH to Zell's Pinstripe Blog for finding video of the ring ceremony.

We're On Our Way Home

Just a little over a half a day until the raising of the glorious 27th World Championship banner and the handing out of championship rings to the players, coaches, and front office personnel.

The Yankees arrived home after Sunday's 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The victory game the Bombers a 4-2 road trip that was comprised of series wins over both the Rays and the Boston Red Sox. Not a bad way to start the season.

Sunday's win was also big for A.J. Burnett, who had a rocky first outing in Boston and started out yesterday's game in shaky fashion. Burnett, the tattoed, pie smashing, right-hander allowed two first inning runs and admitted to not having confidence in his stuff. But Jorge Posada and pitching coach Dave Eiland helped settle him down and Burnett rewarded his teammates with six scoreless frames.

Alex Rodriguez hasn't homered yet, but he's getting darn close. A near miss in Boston, a near miss in Tampa. I expect him to break out any day now.

Posada and Nick Swisher both went deep on Sunday, with Posada's go-ahead shot coming against former teammate Randy Choate. Not the first time Yankees fans have witnessed a Choate failure.

In addition to the banner and ring presentations, one of tomorrow's highlight's will be Bernie Williams throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Now, Bernie hasn't offically ever announced a retirement date, but isn't time the Yankees front office set up a Bernie Williams Day? Retire #51, etc?
Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra (who I thought for sure would be throwing out the first pitch) will be on hand to present the rings. Ceremonies to kick off at 12:15. (thanks to the Star Ledger's Marc Carig for providing ceremony info. Click here to see the complete schedule of events).

An added bonus of tomorrow's opener is the opponent. Because the Yankees start their home schedule against the Los Angeles Angels, Hideki Matsui will be on hand to receive his ring. Godzilla is off to a great start in his new home. He's already had 2 game winning hits and is hitting .370 with a couple of home runs and 5 RBI.

Fenway Faithful Way off Base Booing Papi

"What have you done for me lately?" has always been a part of sports. In some towns more than others. One of those towns would be Boston. David Ortiz, 2-time World Series hero, has fallen on hard times and a large group of Red Sox fans aren't letting him forget about it.

During the recently concluded Yankees-Red Sox series, which the Yankees took 2 of 3 thanks to a Curtis Granderson home run off of Jon Papelbon (had to get that in), Ortiz heard boos like he's never heard before.

Perhaps some of the reaction has to do with the revelation of a failed steroid test last year. It's results have been called bogus by Ortiz. The leaked info came on the heels of a horrendous start (1 home run through May 31) by Ortiz, which was somewhat overlooked by the fans because the team was doing well.

But Boston got swept in the playoffs and their hated rivals won the World Series. When Ortiz went hitless in the first two games of the season, fans booed and Ortiz went ballistic when the Boston media went asked him about it.

“(Expletive) happens. Then you guys talk (expletive)," Ortiz said after the Sox' 6-4 loss to the Yankees Tuesday night. "Two (expletive) games already. (Expletive) are going crazy. What’s up with that, man? (Expletive). There’s (expletive) 160 games left.”

Manager Terry Francona thought about putting right-handed hitting Mike Lowell in the lineup Wednesday night against Andy Pettitte, but opted to stick with Ortiz. It paid off when Ortiz drove in the Sox only run, but some fans still booed when he made out in his other at-bats.

It brought me back to a Yankees-Red Sox game in April of 2004. Javier Vazquez, who makes his re-debut tonight against the Rays tonight, was facing Pedro Martinez. The Yankees were coming off a World Series to loss the Marlins the prior October.

Both Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams were booed by Yankees fans during the Sox 2-0 victory. Booed..in April. In New York. I was shocked. These were two vital cogs of four world championships and six pennants in the prior eight years. It still astounds me to this day. And I was just as suprised that the Sox fans were booing Ortiz this week.

Some guys should just not get booed. If a player has meant that much to your franchise why would you ever boo them? Beats me.

What Fox Didn't Show You

The a-holes at Fox didn't bother to show Bernie Williams throwing out the first pitch to Jose Molina.

Moving Forward....to Mt. Kisco

Bernie Williams will be in Mt. Kisco tonight at the Borders book store (hurry before they go out of business as has been rumored) on East Main St. to promote his CD, "Moving Forward".

Bern Baby Bernie will autograph copies of the CD (no memoribilia) as well as perform. Check out Bernie's website for videos of some of his recent appearances.

Deck the Hall

Back in the early '90s, the Yankees dumped outfielder Mel Hall, because they didn't like the way he was constantly harassing a young Bernie Williams. That was just the tip of the iceberg.

Hall was convicted in a Texas court room yesterday of sexually assaulting a 12-yr old girl he coached on an elite basketball team a decade ago.

A jury took about 90 minutes to convict Hall, 48, on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child. He will go through the sentencing phase today and faces up to life in prison.

Hall's accuser, now 23, testified Monday that he engaged in sex acts with her in various places, including her home and his apartment. Hall, who played for the Cubs from 1981 to 1984 as part of a 13-year career, was arrested in 2007 by police investigating allegations of sexual abuse.

The woman testified Hall first exposed himself to her and her younger brother in their home, when their parents were away. His interaction with her progressed to inappropriate touching and to him showing her how to perform oral sex, she testified. She said he also showed her pornographic movies at an apartment he shared with his girlfriend and their infant son.

''I trusted him,'' the woman testified. ''I looked up to him.''

Sentencing is set for today. Hall could be facing life in prison.

Yankees All Switch-hit Team

Mark Teixeira, Jorge Posada, and Nick Swisher became the first three teammates to homer from both sides of the plate in one game. Other teams have had two players, but never three.

So who makes up the Yankees greatest switch-hitting team? We're glad you asked.

1B Mark Teixeira
2B Horace Clarke
SS Mark Koenig
3B Bobby Brown
LF Roy White
CF Mickey Mantle
RF Bernie Williams
C Jorge Posada
DH Chile Davis

Bench Players
Roy Smalley
Nick Swisher
Jerry Mumphrey
Butch Wynegar
Tom Tresh
Tim Raines
Melky Cabrera

The Daily Yankeeland - 3/27

The Yankees play the Reds in Tampa this evening at 7:15 EDT. The game is on WABC radio so you can hear the melodic voice of one John Sterling. CC Sabathia gets the start and Mariano Rivera will be making another appearance.

George Steinbrenner will be at the Yankees home opener, according to a source in the know. King George hasn't been at the Stadium since last season's All-Star game.

Peter Abraham of the Journal News reports that it will cost $19 to park at the new Stadium and the new Metro North station won't be ready for the first home stand.

To promote his new album, Bernie Williams sat down for an interview with Entertainment Weekly magazine. Among his revelations, Derek Jeter hated when Bernie played his guitar on team bus rides or airplane flights.

The NY Times' Richard Sandomir has a profile of Yankees veep/bulldog Randy Levine.

“Part of Randy likes to fight,” said Hal Steinbrenner, the managing general partner. “He has a history of not backing down. He likes to be the bad cop. I’m the good cop.”

You may have read the other day that the wife of former Yankees prospect Jose Tabata was arrested after abducting a new born. The story gets even stranger. A stunned Tabata, who is 20 years younger than his wife, thinks she also lied to him about a number of things, including being pregnant. Click here to read Tabata's full statement.

Time to get your priorities in order, Hanley Ramirez. The Yankees have long had a dress code that includes no facial hair, other than a mustache, no earrings, and no long hair. The Florida Marlins recently instituted a similar policy, causing Ramirez to go ballistic after getting his hair cut.

"After the star shortstop was forced to shear his long locks, he strolled through the clubhouse sharing his opinion of the new fashion rules across his chest, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

"I'm sick of this s---," the message read, in thick Sharpie letters. "I'm angry," Ramirez said. "I want to be traded." Ramirez was not only forced to cut off his cornrows under the new policy, he also won't be allowed to wear jewelry while playing.

"It's incredible," he said later. "We're big-leaguers."

Ramirez eventually cooled down after a talk with team officials and said everything was cool.

The Daily Yankeeland - 3/8

With today's announcement of Alex Rodriguez's surgery, the Kansas City Star decided to start a rumor about the Yankees inquiring into the availability of the Royals' Mark Teahen. The paper didn't cite any sources, and the rumor was quickly dismissed by Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Teahen came up as a third baseman, and has experience at both corner positions and the outfield.

Bernie Williams thinks having some time off will be a blessing in disguise for A-Rod.

The Star Ledger's Mark Carig has a piece on the joint quest of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to forget the 2008 season and start anew.

The Post's Joel Sherman says the Yankees can survive and thrive without A-Rod.

The Yankees continue to try to sell their premium seats.

Former Yankees Graeme Lloyd and Pat Kelly are coaches on the Australian team in the World Baseball Classic.

World Baseball Classic - 3/7

Team USA gained some revenge from 2006 when helped off Team Canada earlier today, 6-5. The US team powered up with home runs by Kevin Youkilis, Brian McCann, and Adam Dunn all went deep and J.J. Putz got out of a jam in the ninth inning to preserve the win.

Former Yankee LaTroy Hawkins picked up the win after starter Jake Peavy allowed two runs in three innings of work. Canada scored a run in the ninth off of Putz and had the tying run on second base. But the new Mets set up man retired Jason Bay on a fly out to right to retire the side. Derek Jeter went 2-3 before giving way to Jimmy Rollins.

Datuske Matsuzaka allowed a couple of runs over four innings in Japan's 14-2 blow out of Korea. Norichika Aoki and Shuichi Murata drove in 3 runs each, and Murata and Kenji Johjima each homered.

The Netherlands pulled off a major upset, upsetting the Dominican Republic 3-2. The Netherlands picked up all 3 unearned runs in the first inning as the Dominican played poorly in the field. An Edinson Volquez wild pitch and a Hanley Ramirez throwing error put the visiting team in the lead for good.

Miguel Tejada homered and Ramirez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, but the D.R. lost despite their pitchers allowing just 3 hits and striking out 12. Sidney Ponson pitched four innings for the win.Blogger: My Pinstripes - Create Post

Puetro Rico blasted Panama 7-0 as Ivan Rodriguez added to his free agent resume. The 37-yr old catcher, who spent last season with the Tigers and Yankees, is still in search of a team with opening day less than a month away. He may have opened some eyes this evening when he homered twice, doubled, singled, walked, and drove in 4 runs in five plate appearances.

Carlos Delgado also homered and Javier Vazquez tossed 4.1 scoreless innings for the win. Bernie Williams drew a pinch-hit walk in his one plate appearance.


Italy and Venezuela are just underway.

The Daily Yankeeland - 3/5

The Yankees take on Team Canada in Tampa today at 1:15. Joba Chamberlain will make his second start of the spring. He pitched just one inning his first time out.

Hip specialist, Dr. Mark Philippon, says A-Rod's bothersome hip is most likely not serious. Seems like everyone we've talked to has thought the same thing......is this a residual effect from steroid injections?

A-Rod's talks with MLB investigators centered on his relationship with banned trained Angel Presinal.

Some good news- Mariano Rivera will throw off a bullpen mound today. It's the first time he'll toe the rubber since his off-season shoulder surgery.

The NY Times' Jack Curry spoke to Bernie Williams about the possibility of making the transition from the Puerto Rican WBC team to a MLB team. Bernie's not ruling out the possibility, but unsure if could play for a team other than the Yankees. (photo courtesy of NY Times)

Looks like the Yankees were well aware of the bleacher view obstruction a year ago.